Unfathomable though it may be, not everyone loves Lent Madness. At meetings of the Supreme Executive Committee, we often shake our heads in disbelief that there are a few people who find Lent Madness less than magnificent. As a gesture of good will, Tim and Scott have decided to answer the Top Ten Criticisms of Lent Madness. Think of these as at-the-ready talking points if you encounter a Lent Madness hater over chicken casserole at your ubiquitous Wednesday Evening Lenten program. You're welcome.
Top Ten Criticisms of Lent Madness
10. The SEC is rigging the results
Believe us when we say this: we have been as surprised and even outraged as you at some of the results. No one can predict what will happen in Lent Madness, with emphasis on the madness. If the SEC were rigging the results, Scott would not be in the bottom half of the Forward Movement office bracket pool. Now, granted, Scott once ran a full-fledged smear campaign to get George Herbert crowned with the Golden Halo (here, here, here, and here). But now that the SEC is formed, both Tim and Scott remain scrupulously neutral, working hard to ensure a free and fair contest every time.
9. The match-ups are unfair
The point of Lent Madness is fun, and it would be less fun if every contest featured a reformer against a reformer or an apostle versus an apostle. In its current form, we have to grapple with the outlandish notion of picking a modern witness for social justice or a biblical hero, for example. If that seems ridiculous to you, then we'd like to remind you that the entire concept of Lent Madness is that we're voting on a Golden Halo for people who are already in God's company. Lent Madness is not for the faint of heart, so if you can't decide between theologians of the fourth-century and preachers of the modern era, step aside.
8. Lent should be about self-flagellation not self-congratulation
Yeah, yeah, we've heard this plenty: "Every time I tune into Monday Madness, Tim and Scott are touting their latest media triumph. They've even been known to send Lent Madness mugs to church celebrities in exchange for 'mug shots.'" Here's the thing. Lent Madness was in USA Today this year. Last year it was the Washington Post and Sports Illustrated. While Tim and Scott have their picture in the paper, it's really not about them. It's about getting a new image of our church into the press. The SEC believes that it's better to have Lent Madness in the news than, say, lawsuits or church closings. Oh, and we don't much care for self-flagellation. We understand Lent to be a time for fresh conversion -- to renewing our commitment to following Jesus. You can do this whilst turning that frown upside-down.
7. This is a distraction from "real" Lent
See above. We would encourage you to pursue other Lenten disciplines. However, we think "real" Lent is about finding our way back to God. If this silly contest teaches us something about holy men and women, and if we are inspired to follow Jesus because of their example, then we'd consider the mission of Lent Madness accomplished. Also, "real" Lent just doesn't work for some people.
6. Too much of it
What? You're tired of seeing Lent Madness in your Facebook feed? Cry us a river. We can't help it that this is a success. We suggest you give up Facebook for Lent. Or start "Season after Pentecost Madness."
5. Your grammar stinks
Who are you to oppress us with your language rules? OK, so we make some mistakes now and then. You are entitled to a full refund of your Lent Madness entry fee. Oh, wait, it's free. One more thing, while we're on the subject: a few of you have harshed on Maple Anglican's awesome videos. Just remember he's Canadian, and your US imperialism doesn't govern his use of the English language. Incidentally, if you are going to write to us to complain about our grammar, make sure yours is flawless. One commenter pointed out three mistakes in a video. In the "And also with you" department, we pointed out three mistakes in that complaint. See, we're all human. Deal.
4. How can you have fun with ____ (insert martyr here)
We got a few complaints about this, most especially about Jonathan Myrick Daniels. To be clear, and in all seriousness, we would never make fun of a martyr. By including martyrs in Lent Madness, we're able to help them do their jobs afresh. That is, they are able to witness to new generations. We can assure you that plenty of Lent Madness fans had never heard of Jonathan Daniels until now. By including him in our ridiculous game, his brave witness for the gospel of justice is known in our time. By the way, you'd be complaining that we left out all the martyrs if we didn't include them.
3. You used that awful "Keep Calm and Carry On" meme
This is one of our favorites. A commenter was very upset that we used a take-off on the famous British "Keep Calm and Carry On" posters in one of our blog entries. This commenter threatened to boycott Lent Madness because we are basically akin to Nazi sympathizers or something. At the very least, the SEC were called ignorant American-centric buffoons. Look. A few minutes on the Googles, and it turns out that this poster has been proudly displayed at Number 10 Downing Street and Buckingham Palace. If it's good enough for the Prime Minister and the Queen, it's good enough for the SEC.
2. The color for Lent is violet not purple
Yeah, that might be true in your Almy catalog, the people who brought you the imagined need for blue vestments in Advent. We prefer to consult the Bible rather than the Almy catalog when we are seeking truth. It turns out that Jesus wore purple, and we figure that's a good enough endorsement for this color in Lent Madness.
1. People shouldn't laugh during Lent. Ever.
Awesome. You can give up laughter as part of your Lenten discipline. We laugh at this idea. The SEC thinks that Jesus had quite a sense of humor. In fact, the SEC finds humor throughout the Bible and in much of life, for that matter. So while we are focused on getting closer to God this Lent, we're going to laugh a bit. We invite you to join us.
There you go. If there's something rubbing you the wrong way about Lent Madness, the SEC, Forward Movement's offerings, or the way Tim runs his parish, please leave a comment. We'll get right back to you.
119 comments on “The SEC Answers Critics”
OK, no problem from me about all the silly complaints, but please: Purple/violet are essentially the same color -- at least as illustrated on this website -- (a blue-red mix tending towards blue (as opposed to the more reddish magenta which could also be covered by the Greek term). Only four of your 11 Bible quotes deal with what Jesus wore and all refer to the purple robe that was forced on him during the trial -- not what he ever chose to wear. Most of the other references you found to purple suggest that it was a festal color, hardly suitable for Lent. The proper Anglican color for Lent is white or unblueached cloth, decorated with symbols of the passion and trimmed in (usually dull) red, though purple, red, and blue were also used, most commonly on Sundays to separate them from the weekdays. [Please see archive.org/stream/anintroductionto00hopeuoft#page/52/mode/2up ]
When I am forced to use purple/violet I inwardly shudder, but then comfort myself with the thought that it is NOT absolutely incorrect.
It's because of the sea urchin, this purple, violet, blue continuum. That and tradition. So many of our practices being based upon what has been done for a long time (long time, often being defined as "since I've been here"). Back to the sea urchins. They were a common source of the dye for purple. In warmer waters it was the warmer, more red purple. In cooler it tended towards the bluer purples. It is the source of Sarum blue for Lent (and/or Advent) which is closer to the color crayon blue color and not at all like "Mary" blue. Those urchins were totally shivering in those northern seas.
Cool!
What's this? The peasants are revolting? You go get 'em Supreme Executive Committee.
Umm, and while your at all this revolt crushing stuff could you please deliver that new car you promised for being your 1000th follower on Twitter? I've been standing out on the street corner for days looking wistfully at the horizon for you guys to show up. All I've gotten is a couple of lewd offers and hassled by the cops...
I swore off Facebook, Twitter, and other social media long before Epiphany ended , but can't wait for the daily Lent Madness updates in my email inbox. In my opinion, taking on a new spiritual discipline during Lent is far preferable to temporarily giving up chocolate, TV, or even wine. While participating in LM I've learned a lot and have enjoyed all the bios, especially those about saints whom I had previously known very little. Thanks, to you, Tim and Scott, and to all you profile contributors for your humor and your insights. You show us that saints are real people and that Lent doesn't have be a season of gloom and doom. Special thanks for including two of our own from St. Michael's, Lex., KY, in your LMW video!
Hey SEC,
Thanks for thinking outside the box. It has been a terrific way to educate ourselves on the amazing things our ancestors did from their hearts and souls.
Dear Father Tim and Father Scott, We are really sorry that some people are picking on you because you came up with an unusual game. At our school that is called bullying and it is frowned upon. We hope everyone (even the people who are giving you a hard time) has a better day tomorrow. Love, Skye and Hope
You two are truly the bee's knees!!! I hope the old cranks have a better day tomorrow also. I truly believe you two have a good day every day because you are so thoughtful.
This is my first Lent Madness and I would not still be here were it not for the humor and tongue-in-cheek atmosphere. I have learned a lot I didn't know about saints and martyrs (and for a lapsed Roman Catholic, that's saying something). Moreover, the lightness of spirit has led me to contemplate the idea of once again giving the Episcopalian church in my community a try...
ditto...all of the above!
Deb Daly and Judy Austin both touched on what I cherish most about Lent Madness. I love the daily readings and collects. Sometimes I read the bios without a preconceived favorite. Other days--like yesterday--I know how I'll vote and that no argument will likely sway me--Harriet Tubman has been a hero for me for a long time. But I always finish the readings with an appreciation of what it means to be a saint of God and with the recognition that there can be no degrees of worthiness--neither among the saints nor among us earthly mortals who try to discern how God is speaking to us in our daily lives. The experience of reading the comments after the reading is an experience on communion with fellow Christians on our common journey. Invariably there are goofy comments, and John Donne--who punned so well in "Hymn to God the Father" will be celebrated with puns ad infinitum. But just as reliably there are also comments of readers who sincerely reflect on what is stirred up for them (us) in the lives of the saints. If I knew how to pull it off technically, I would love to start Trinity Madness for the season of ordinary time after Pentecost.
Thank you, SEC, for your kind invitation to laugh! And to learn while doing it. I accept both with pleasure because "a merry heart doeth good like a medicine, but a broken spirit drieth the bones" (KJV, Prov.17:22). Thanks, Tim and Scott for building a community of merry hearts. But, oh dear, there are those readers who see the L.M. Comments column as an opportunity break others' bad habits rather than an opportunity to...laugh and learn together. I wonder if that good word "harrumph" (v.tr.) might be revived to touch on the critics, whose exasperation with L.M.'s merriment has reached its limit? Can "harrumph" work here? For example, "I am simply trying to educate those poor slobs who obviously attended a seminary quite inferior to our own," sniffed Grumpy, harrumphing his disgust . "Quite so" agreed his irritated companion. "We must maintain constant vigilance over minutia, lest in their Madness the SEC gives the great unwashed the impression that they too are welcome at the (round) table," he added, harrumphing his annoyance.
I am shocked, shocked I tell you, that people would have complaints about playing a game in Lent that is both fun and educational. You'd think this was church or something. Meanwhile, I'll be sure to schedule an appointment with a priest for individual confession to repent of that God-given gift of laughter. But only after I cast my vote in today's saintly smackdown between Benedict and Anne. I am loving the madness of Lent Madness. Thanks!
Love everything about Lentmadness. For the first time l'm engaged in the season and look forward to every post that comes along.
A holy & hearty "Yay!"
Lent Madness is perfect the way it is! Don't change a thing. I love that some of the matchups are so impossible and challenging. It makes me really think about my own core values every day, and that seems like a pretty good Lenten discipline to me. Fie on the bullies and complainers. Too bad they didn't decide to give up inflicting their concept of perfection on everyone else for Lent. Keep Witty and Carry On!
Will use these as talking points should I encounter any fussbudgets. I may post a copy of this above the bracket on the bulletin board at church.
I haven't heard much mention of how much conversation with friends, co-workers and aquaintances happens each day sharing facts about Lent Madness. I've been at church related meetings where this has come up and those who are participating can share the fun and education gleaned from our daily bracket competitions and invite others to join in the fun. I've been out to dinner with friends and this has come up too....what a way to welcome others to the Christian
church! Thank You!
Wow! I could not. Agree more with all these comments. This my first LM too and I could not be more enthrall! This is a place you can be "real" and you are not degraded. (Hence the statement about women not being priests) I applaud the control.
As was said to all the complainers, DEAL!!!!!!
I just discovered Lent Madness this year and have enjoyed every day, especially the added bonus commentaries. Some match ups have nearly made my brain explode, but that is great. Spending a whole day thinking about which saint is holier is a day spent thinking about holiness. Happy Lent!
I love love love Lent Madness. I don't want the madness to end. Can you please please please do a Pentecost Madness? Or summer vacation madness? Or back-to-school madness?
My first LM. Hope to see many more. My bracket picks have been 50/50, guess I need to polish MY specks, sharpen my picking dart, and slow the spinning wheel. Oh wait, that's how the brackets are put together(?).
Comment 8 seemed a little OD. Should we be on guard for Eclesiatic Puritans?
Thanks be to the SEC!
Keep Calm and Carry On with LENT MADNESS!! I love Lent Madness! I have learned about so many folks I would have likely never heard of, and I thank you for that! Can't wait for the next round!
The two of you have God-given gifts that you have used to glorify God and promote the Kingdom. i think Jesus is laughing and saying to himself, "Damn these guys are good!" I think you should be interviewed by Stephen Colbert...now that would be a great match up!
Oh yes! Stephen Colbert indeed! We would really enjoy that. I'm sure there are people here who haven't had the opportunity to get to know our dear Stephen Colbert. That would be an enjoyable interview for certes!
I have recruited a couple of people to Lent Madness already this year, and am still talking to a few whom I think may truly enjoy it. I have been following Lent Madness for a couple of years, but had not been as involved before as I am this year. I do want to tell you that I have not seen such a great cross section of religious and Episcopalians anywhere. You have done a fabulous job, and will get your own golden halos in time! Thank you for the great job you do. This is the best Lent Madness yet!
Thinking I should work on the top ten reasons to play Lent Madness each year...the least of which should be: to lighten up in the midst of a tough world and look w/ amazement and wonder at the saints who have come before us.
And yes, I agree that Jesus must have had a wicked sense of humor...perhaps he got that from his Father? Keep up the good and faithful work, SEC, Bloggers, Maple Anglican and those communicating from the dead via the "Leviatron 2000" (or whatever that is called). The Church needs a breath of fresh air...even in Lent!
Thank you SEC for this Lenten discipline when I am learning more about all the saints (old and new) because it's just so much FUN. If only all learning could be this much fun--academic achievement rates would sky rocket.
Mi esposo, the sports' enthusiast has this recommendation: Divisional Play-offs. For instance, the Lay Bracket and the Clerical Bracket, or the Martyr Bracket and some Other Bracket, or the Missionary Bracket and the Stay-at-Home Bracket. Wait, how about a round robin? You have to have two defeats in order to be eliminated. There's an app for that, I'm sure. Anyway, keep it up. I have great fun myself coming up with the intro blurbs when I "share" the multiple daily postings, which only then heightens my withdrawal when the weekend comes and there's nothing to post. Thank GOD there was at least the post this weekend about what to do with LMW! Well, it's night. What's done is done. Have a peaceful night and a quiet rest.
Oh, did I forget to tell you I love you both? Well, I do!
I love Lent Madness! Thanks so much for doing it! I bet many of us will keep our Lenten discipline all the way through Easter for the first time ever thanks to your hard work? Keep it up!!
As a first yr. LM participant and a Roman Catholic, I want to thank my wonderful Episcopalian friend for introducing me to this game! I can't tell you how much I look forward to this every day and how much I have learned. I have spread the "Good News" to my priest, Bible study group , and many friends. I want to award my own Golden Halo to my friend!
As the Episcopalian friend to which I think For Sure is referring, stay clear of me if the Golden Halo comes my way. Because lightning is surely on its way! We are thoroughly enjoying this. I am trying to keep up with For Sure, but not even close. Thank you, SEC.
If some don't like this site, they can pack up their losing ballots and go home. As I am sure you hoped it would be, this has been my favorite devotional this lent, as I look for the holiness in them to inspire me...which it has. Thank you for sharing your time and talents in this way: It is making a difference in my congregation. Grace and Peace.
Amen gentlemen. Keep calm and stay purple. Your wry wit and creativity are deeply appreciated. More please, so our 21st century identity will be here for our children and grandchildren. Can't wait for bishop madness!